The Northwest Indiana Forum Foundation released a call for projects in anticipation of receiving READI 2.0 grant funding.
The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 is a state initiative. It promotes regional development by investing in projects that foster innovation, create jobs and enhance the quality of life for residents. The Northwest Indiana Forum is seeking proposals for projects that align with the READI 2.0 goals and contribute to the economic growth and resilience of the Region as outlined.
The call for projects is available until Jan. 19. There will be additional submission opportunities leading up to the IEDC award announcement in April. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. is the grant administrator of the $500 million READI 2.0 grant approved by the Indiana General Assembly in 2022.
In February, the Northwest Indiana Forum will apply for READI 2.0 through a process that has a maximum award amount of $75 million.
The IEDC plans to award 15 regions around the state funding in April. Final project selection will begin in May.
The Northwest Indiana Forum received $50 million in funding from READI 1.0. The funding has generated over $700 million in investment through 37 projects. The projects impact talent, infrastructure, business development and marketing, placemaking, entrepreneurship and innovation.
“The success of READI 1.0 projects is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our region,” said Heather Ennis, president and CEO of Northwest Indiana Forum, in a press release. “We are excited to leverage READI 2.0 dollars to continue to create greater opportunities in Northwest Indiana.”
The Northwest Indiana Forum Foundation promotes economic development in the Region. The forum aims to increase per capita income, attract investment and support policy that leads to growth. The organization has over 130 investor organizations.
